6 dining secrets or hidden gems in Rockland County, from a speakeasy to a cidery
Did you know there's an app for a pizza place in New City where you won't have to pay hidden third-party delivery costs? Or that there's a secret hidden room (behind a bookcase) at a Sparkill speakeasy where you can book a private party? Or how about getting the kitchen sink — literally a small sink — to feed and entertain your kids at Reilly's Public House in Piermont?
Rockland County is full of hidden dining secrets, from a natural foods grocery store where you might bump into actor Stephen Baldwin (he sometimes gets his coffee there) to a new cidery with breathtaking views that make you feel like you're on vacation to an about-to-launch paddleboat where you can drink in the view from the water (and also have cocktails!). Curious where everything is and how you can enjoy them? Details follow.
Paddle Pub Piermont, Piermont
Drink in the view figuratively and literally with the about-to-launch Paddle Pub. Rockland native Christopher Hickey, who owns Draughtwood Mobile Bar, plans on launching his boat, dubbed "Let's Get It Kraken," from Pier 701 in Piermont starting Aug. 17 and run it hopefully through mid-November (weather depending). Hickey said he saw the boats, with 10 cycling stations and six additional seats, while on vacation in South Carolina and was so impressed, he brought the franchise here. Folks are invited to bring their own drinks while they paddle for 90 minute trips, which will go to the Gov. Mario Cuomo Bridge/Tappan Zee and back (though if you book two trips in a row, you can go further). Trips are booked in two hours increments starting at 2 p.m. and kids eight and up are allowed. There's always a captain and first mate aboard. Contact through Instagram or at 845-664-2412.
Hidden (private dining) room, Six23 Social, Sparkill
Denis Whitton has gone all out for the decor at Six23 Social, his new speakeasy in Sparkill. The longtime restaurateur now has customers getting a password when they call for a dinner reservation (you enter once you've rung the doorbell and given the code to the person behind the old-timey door's small window). He also has a snazzy room in the back, hidden behind a bookcase, for private parties up to 22. The whole space is an ode to Prohibition with Depression-era lights, red curtains, loungey seats (including an old barber's chair) and walls filled with black and white photos from the 1920s and '30s. Plus, killer cocktails and a menu devoted to small plates. 623 Main St., 845-836-3398, six23social.com
More: What's the password? New Sparkill speakeasy will transport you back in time
Good Roots Natural Market & Juice Bar, Haverstraw
Looking for something healthy while shopping for groceries? The cafe in the back of this natural foods market has its own juice bar offering a variety of fresh organic juices, acai bowls and smoothies such as Red Velvet (with mixed berries, peach, banana, cacao, dates and beets topped with coconut whipped cream), Sunshine All Day (acerola, papaya, mango, and pineapple) and PB & J (blueberries, bananas, peanut butter and vanilla combined with a house blend of coconut/almond milk and agave). There's also hot dishes such as empanadas, many of which are vegan, and plant-based wraps. Bonus: You may run into Baldwin, who's known to get his coffee here (he did an Insta post on). 242 Rte 9W, 845-553-9646, goodrootsmarket.com
Kitchen Sink, Reilly's Public House, Piermont
Nothing like a giant sink (yes a sink!) full of chicken tenders, chicken wings, onion rings, waffle fries and mozzarella sticks to keep your kids (or you) occupied, especially when it comes with a variety of dips. The "Everything But The Kitchen Sink" bar snack was part of my "Best Thing I Ate" series and easily feeds three to four. 457 Piermont Ave., 845-680-0014, reillyspublichouse.com
Red Barn Cidery, Congers
Open since May, this cidery, at Dr. Davies Farm, is a great place to unwind after a long week. Operating on a Thursday to Sunday schedule (and sometimes Monday), there's often live music, food trucks, great scenery (it's a working family farm after all) and hard cider, made on the farm. There's also beer and wine. This is a family venue, not a bar, which means it closes sometimes around sunset (ish). It's also all outdoors, which means it's not open in bad weather; check their social media for details. The goal is to say open through Christmas tree season, giving you plenty of time to check them out. 306 Route 304, 845-267-8193, redbarncidery.com
More: Maple bacon cupcake anyone? Jeanne Muchnick's Best Thing I Ate This Week is in New City
There's an app for that, Napoli's Pizza, New City
Tom Doran at Napoli's Pizza has just launched his own app for ordering and delivery that means cost savings for customers. Doran said he invested in the app because he appreciates his close knit community. "We want everyone to be able to enjoy our delicious food at the prices listed on our menu without the exorbitant fees tacked on by third parties," he said. “We know customers are frustrated by these companies and their lack of transparent pricing. As a local, family owned restaurant I wanted to find a way to get our great food to more people as conveniently and inexpensively as possible." The app is available for download in the iPhone App Store or Google Play Store. 48 Germonds Road, 845-623-0545, napolispizzanewcity.com
Got a food tip?
Know of another secret? A new opening or closing? Email JRMuchnick@gannett.com.
Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @lohud_food or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Rockland NY's 6 hidden dining gems range from speakeasy to a cidery
